Eyebrows raised as vote held to determine Silver Ferns captain

By Daniel Gilhooly

September 11, 2018 — 12.53pm

New Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua has raised eyebrows by conducting a player vote to determine the team's captain.

Days out from the first round of Quad Series Tests in Auckland, which will feature Australia, South Africa and England, Taurua will employ a collective approach to finding New Zealand's netball skipper.

Democratic: Former captain Katrina Grant (right) supports the new approach.

Photo: AAP

Players will be asked to vote on a 3-2-1 basis for their preferred candidate.

Taurua and chief executive Jennie Wyllie will also vote, with the captain to be unveiled on Thursday.

"So, as they say, the people will speak as to who they want in those leadership roles," Taurua said.

"That's what I want to encourage, that everybody has something to say.

"We don't want wallflowers and everybody needs to contribute towards the overall strategy and the performance out on court."

Coach of the Sunshine Coast Lightning, Super Netball's two-time champions, Taurua was appointed to New Zealand's top role last month.

We don't want wallflowers and everybody needs to contribute towards the overall strategy and the performance out on court.

Noeline Taurua

She replaced Janine Southby after a disappointing fourth-placing at the Commonwealth Games.

Katrina Grant, who was captain at the Games, backed Taurua's democratic innovation.

"Whoever the team wants as captain is who it's going to be and I think that's a great way to do it and it's fair," she told journalists.

Leading candidates include Grant, along with returning veterans Laura Langman and Casey Kopua.

The opening Quad Series Tests on Saturday pits Australia against South Africa and New Zealand against England.